Older window film install techniques are now being made
more efficient. Plotters, cutters and the necessary software have changed
the industry by simplifying and enhancing installation, reducing liability
and creating greater efficiencies. Film manufacturers are taking note,
either by releasing their own software or by partnering with a software
company already in the business. Since a cutter is computer-controlled,
the software is the vehicle through which the computer controls the cutter.
If you are considering the investment of a plotter and software program,
you may find the number of options overwhelming; some basic information
may help. So what should you look for when choosing a cutter and software
program?

Software
Software is what tells the cutter what to cut. There are multiple software
programs on the market that handle specific functions. According to Bizzari,
software programs that handle vinyl and flat glass window film needs include
i-DesignR Pro, FlexiSign, SignLab, Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw. He
states that hardware requirements are minimal, with only a Windows-based
computer (XP, Windows 7 or Windows 8) with a 100GB or larger hard drive,
and 1GB or more of RAM needed.

Steve Burns, digital designs manager for 3M, manages the
company’s paint protection film program of the same name. “Software reduces
the learning curve by minimizing the need to trim and cut [film] during
an installation,” says Burns. “Instead, you focus on squeegeeing and technique.
It makes installation easier because the installer has a consistent pattern
to work from whether doing one vehicle or 100 of the same vehicle.”

Cutting or damaging the paint or glass of a vehicle is a
major concern and liability for installers. With computer-cut patterns,
the number of times a blade touches paint or glass is significantly reduced,
if not eliminated in some cases. A beginner may not yet have the understanding
of how much pressure can be applied to the knife before the car’s paint
is damaged.

Burns urges users to investigate the number of available
patterns and the frequency of updating those patterns. “New patterns are
captured, created and updated every day as new models arrive at dealerships,”
says Burns. “And we allow users to submit feedback within our program
to let us know how accurate our patterns are.”

Plotters and design programs have changed the industry,
maximizing an installer’s output and increasing the professionalism of
an installation. There are many hardware and software options so be sure
to do your research. Contact your manufacturer and industry colleagues
to see what works and what doesn’t work for them.